Blues circle Jamie Elliott amid free agency watch
In a development that has AFL trade whispers buzzing, Carlton has reportedly “asked the question” about long‑time Collingwood favourite Jamie Elliott, the unrestricted free agent whose future remains uncertain. Seven’s Mitch Cleary relayed on Wednesday that while Elliott’s next destination is still to be decided, the Blues are weighing a move that would land a veteran forward with more than 200 AFL games to his name. Importantly, any potential Carlton recruitment would not derail the free‑agency compensation the club is set to receive for Tom De Koning’s exit to St Kilda, a factor many supporters are keenly watching.
The idea of Elliott joining Carlton would be a seismic shift for Magpies fans, given the forward’s 219 games at Olympic Park since 2012 and an All‑Australian nomination in a standout season. Yet Elliott, 33, has also attracted serious interest from the Suns, who are said to be offering a three‑year deal on terms more enticing than Collingwood’s current two‑year package. At this stage it isn’t clear whether Carlton will formalise a bid, or whether the Blues will decide to prioritise other targets in the lead‑up to the trade period.
The backdrop to Carlton’s possible pursuit includes broader talks about the make‑up of next season’s forward line. Charlie Curnow has been the subject of widespread speculation, and Jack Silvagni’s exit earlier in the off‑season hints at a more fluid plan inside the Blues’ forward structure. With the trade window about to swing open, Elliott’s name will likely dominate discussions across club rooms and commentary desks alike as clubs weigh immediate impact against long‑term strategy.
Ugle‑Hagan lands on GC as Suns bid ramps up
Meanwhile, a different chapter in AFL trade whispers unfolded on the Gold Coast, where Jamarra Ugle‑Hagan touched down ahead of a crucial meeting with the Suns. The contracted Western Bulldogs forward, who is 23 and on the books until the end of 2026, elected to approach this period with personal development and rest in mind after sitting out the 2025 season to deal with personal issues.
As cameras caught him at Coolangatta airport, Ugle‑Hagan expressed a measured enthusiasm about his path forward, noting that his dream remains to play AFL football. While his exact next destination remains a matter of negotiation, the Suns’ interest is widely reported to be in the mix. The Bulldogs are reportedly prepared to consider a late draft pick and the removal of his $900,000 contract from their books as part of any deal. Whether Ugle‑Hagan ends up soaring with Gold Coast or elsewhere, the ripple effects for the Bulldogs and Suns will be felt well beyond the week ahead.
Sources suggest that a successful move would be relatively low in immediate cost for the Suns, given Bulldogs’ willingness to move him on. The broader implications for Carlton, and the ongoing reshuffle of the Suns’ attack, will be watched closely as the trade period opens and more offers begin to circulate among clubs seeking an edge in 2026.
West Coast’s special assistance package could unlock Starcevich trade
In another strategic layer of AFL trade talk, West Coast is positioned to test the AFL’s new special assistance framework as it pursues dual premiership Lion Brandon Starcevich. The AFL confirmed that the Eagles have been granted a special end‑of‑first‑round draft pick, along with four additional rookie list spots across the next three seasons, a package meant to aid teams recalibrating after a tough run in recent campaigns. The new tool, paired with a push to secure Starcevich, could shift the balance of power in trades this off-season.
West Coast faces a delicate balance: lose Oscar Allen to Brisbane, yet hold a potential pathway to retain or rebuild by acquiring a player who played a pivotal role in the Lions’ Grand Final success. There has even been discussion about exemptions to keep Allen’s compensation pick undiluted if Starcevich can be secured as a free agent, though initial AFL feedback did not endorse that approach. The risk, of course, centers on Starcevich’s health. A concussion history—his fourth in 14 months—has the Eagles treading carefully as they weigh a deal that could run to six years and around $900,000 if every trigger is met. The situation remains fluid, with insiders cautioning that medicals and games‑based milestones will ultimately shape West Coast’s ability to capitalise on the package.
As the AFL trade period opens, these threads—Jamie Elliott’s next destination, Jamarra Ugle‑Hagan’s move, and Starcevich’s potential to change a season—illustrate the depth and unpredictability of player movement. Clubs will balance immediate needs, long‑term goals, and the ever‑present risk of injuries as they navigate a market that is as strategic as it is emotional.
Key takeaways for AFL followers
- Jamie Elliott remains a hot commodity, with Carlton weighing a bold move that could reshape their forward line.
- Jamarra Ugle‑Hagan’s arrival on the Suns radar signals a potential reshuffle for the Bulldogs and a new path for Gold Coast.
- West Coast’s special assistance package could unlock a major trade, but health and contract terms will be decisive.
